Articles of manufacture for sealing flexible and non-ridged containers

ABSTRACT

The present invention recognizes that there exits a need for articles of manufacture to seal flexible containers that have an opening. A first aspect of the present invention is an article of manufacture for sealing or resealing an opening of a flexible or non-ridged container. A second aspect of the present invention is a method of making an article of manufacture for sealing or resealing an opening of a flexible or non-ridged container, A third aspect of the present invention is a method of using an article of manufacture for sealing or resealing an opening of a flexible or non-ridged container. A fourth aspect of the present invention is to store, secure or maintain products inside a flexible or non-ridged container.

This application claims benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/593,894, filed Feb. 2, 2012, entitled “Articles of Manufacture for Sealing Flexible and Non-Ridged Containers” which is incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to the field of articles of manufacture for sealing flexible and non-ridged containers.

BACKGROUND

There are numerous designs for resealable packages that have many faults that stem from poor sealing, weak mechanics, and high manufacturing costs. There are also devices that clip/pinch the bag to try and close the bag but is not very effective in keeping the product's freshness (air leaks out diluting the freshness of the product). No invention has provided a cheap, simple (for just about any age of user), or effective way to create an attachable and/or resealable device to help hold, contain, or preserve a product. The intended goals for these resealable packages are used to maintain a variety of products such as perishable and non-perishable products along with any items consumed from a non-rigid bag. Many times, users often resort to opening a bag containing a product, using a portion and having no other solution but to put the remainder of the item or product inside another foreign bag (such as a “Ziploc™” Bag). This results in an inefficient use of materials. The user would use the bag once and toss it away. Consumers of many different types of products are held in non-rigid packages (for example, but not limit to, animal food, fertilizer, hardware such as, but not limited to screws, washers and nails, as well as frozen and non-frozen foods). Then once the package is punctured or otherwise opened the only way to maintain freshness, such as for a food product, is to either dump the remaining products into a foreign “Ziploc™” type bag, or to put the original bag inside another foreign “Ziploc™” type bag. For non-food products, once the bag is punctured the only way to store the product is to “roll the bag up” and hope nothing falls out or once again put it in a foreign “Ziploc™” type bag. This attachable resealable device will protect the items from falling out and keeping it from clutter.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,506,487 B2 issued to Eads et al. reports to have a concept sealing system, although less efficient and outdated compared to the present invention. There are many differences with the construction of and the intended use. Multiple figures show that the adhesives are inserted in a foreign bag where the adhesives in the present invention can be placed inside or outside. The adhesives described in Eads et al. are inserted in the slits which are on the top part of the device. This differs from the present invention as there are no slits or flaps on the top portion of the present invention. One way of utilizing the present invention is to attach the adhesives on the outside of a foreign bag. For food related products, there could be violations of regulations, such as through the FDA, with having adhesives on the inside of the foreign bag. Eads et al. refers to having a “plurality of layers,” where the present invention relates to a basic form and is not required to have multiple layers. Eads et al. also refers to having a hinge in the interlocking section where the present invention does not require a hinge, although one can be used. It appears that Eads et al. were mostly concerned about the interlocking section, where the present invention is not limited to any one method to close and open the device numerous times. Eads et al. also has a hood which in the present invention has no need, but can be added if desired. For example, in the Figures of Eads et al., FIGS. 10 and 11 refers to a hood, which shows the body of one side on the invention is much longer than the other to create the hood effect. Eads et al. refers to their invention that can be used on multiple products in FIG. 7 where the present invention would best serve its goal on a single foreign bag, but is not limited to that embodiment. There are many differences in both the design and use of these two devices.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,142,077, issued to Raines, Owens, Fulk and Iannelli, report to have a bag structure with a re-closeable feature that allows the top portion, a re-closeable aspect, to bind itself along side of the bag. This patent has unnecessary adhesives which makes it much more complex than the present invention and also is not as cost effective, Also, Raines et al. relates to a bag structure which requires that all bags have to be manufactured as such, which would cost manufactures more to produce all these bags to have their products inside it. From a manufacture's point of view, Raines et al. want an easy way to package their product and deliver it. From a consumer's point of view, the public desires the product to be easily accessible and storable. Raines et al. focuses on the top portion with a zipper only. The present invention can use a zipper function, but is not limited to that structure. The bag structure of Raines et al. is intended for bulky bags such as cat litter and dog food. Raines et al. never mentions products regarding food for human consumption, which would require FDA approved adhesives and materials. Raines et al. reports a bag structure that is not intended for what the present device delivers. Raines et al. also do not report if the bag can hold products in cold condition such as freezers (for frozen food). In Raines et al., all non-rigid bags would have to conform to this bag, which is not likely. The present invention focuses on a separate device, which can be added to any flexible, non-rigid bag, which makes it easier for both the producer and consumer.

US Published Patent Application No: 2004/0101214, to Feder et al., reports to have an attachable resealable device that results when puncturing the bag from the side. One problem with Feder et al. is that many users tear open the top of the bag and are forced to put the remaining products inside another bag to try to help and maintain the freshness of a food product. For non-food products, consumers again are forced to put the remaining products inside another foreign bag to keep from clutter.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,960,021, issued to Schneider, John and Ausnit, Steven, report to have a re-closable package with front panel slider-zipper assembly, A similar problem lies with the patent above to help reseal the bag from a side viewpoint.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,044,776, issued to Schramer, Kurt and Snavely, Randy, report to have an adhesive strip attaching to the bag to help keep product “fresher.” The first problem is that Schramer et al. report that the adhesive strip will allow any consumer to open/close the bag multiple times before the adhesive strip wears out, Every time a person opens/closes a bag, there is a wear-and-tear on the adhesives promoting a weaker grip to ensure product freshness (air leaks out) or storage. Once the adhesive wears out, the device of Schramer lacks usefulness for its intended purpose. Another problem lies that most bags do not come with these adhesives attached. Users will have to go out and buy adhesives because standard bags do not provide the adhesives.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,134,788, issued to Hsiang, Chia, reports to have a resealable bag with a top tear-away header and zipper and method of manufacturing the same. The first problem is that this is an additional manufacturing cost that the producer has to burden. This has caused a decrease in profits due to higher manufacturing costs. Another problem is that most bags do not have this product ingrained in the bag. This invention is only good for consumers that purchase products that already have this device attached in the bag.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 depicts a plain view from the side viewpoint of one aspect of the present invention. 1 is the body material used to create the attachable resealable bag. 3 are the adhesives used to attach the device to the foreign bag. FDA approved adhesives would be desirable for food/perishable products. Any other products can use other adhesives that comply with standard rules and regulations. 2 is an adhesive, or the like, is not required, but is an extra preventive step by ensuring that the product will be substantially air-impenetrable or the like, to make a perishable product longer lasting. 2 can be added from 3, and can also be different strips of adhesives or conjoined to the same adhesive. Note that 2 may have a left side adhesive and a right side adhesive along the inside of the body 1. 4 is not limited to but can be a zipper/seal/adhesive where the resealable/reusable/re-closeable implications allow users to open and close the bag. 5 is part of 1 but is not bound by the sides. 5 can be added to 1 if desired as well. They are essentially flaps that can have adhesives on the inside or outside. This part is preferably flexible or very flexible in order to bind to any foreign bag.

FIG. 2 depicts a top down view of one aspect of the present invention from an angle allows the viewer to see how 5 is flexible and more free to adapt to a foreign bag. Again, 5 can be added to 1 if desired as well. It still remains as a non-rigid material that may be the same material that is used in the 1 body or different. 2 is an adhesive, or the like, and is not required, but is an extra preventive step by ensuring that the product will be substantially air-impenetrable or the like to make a perishable product longer lasting. 2 can be added from 3 and can be different strips of adhesives or conjoined to the same adhesive. For simplicity, 3 is shown pointing to the inside of 5, which can make 6 or 7 as shown in other figures. 3 can be added to outside of 5 as well to make 8 or 9 as shown in other figures. Element 4 is as described herein and in other figures.

FIG. 3 depicts a bottom top view of one aspect of the present invention that shows how 5 is flexible and easily accessible to attach to a foreign bag. Again, 1 is the body material used to create the attachable resealable bag. 3 is where the adhesives are designed to attach to the foreign bag. Adhesives in this figure show adhesives on inside of 5, which later will be detailed as either 6 or 7 as shown in other figures. 2 is not shown to illustrate the simplicity of the concept. 2 may or may not be added depending on the manufacturer and use of a product of the present invention. 5 is shown to be flexible to adapt for foreign bag. Again, 5 can be part of 1 and or added to 1. Element 4 is as described herein and in other figures.

FIG. 4 depicts a side view of one aspect of the present invention, which depicts 1 of the invention. 3 depicts that the adhesives can be added to 5 (for simplicity on the inside 5, creating either 6 or 7 as shown in other figures). The adhesives 3 can be added on the outside of 5 as well creating 8 or 9 as shown in other figures. 4 is, for example, a zipper/seal/adhesive but not limited to, allows the invention to be resealable/reusable/re-closable. Again, 5 can be part of 1 and or added to 1.

FIG. 5 depicts another aspect of the present invention, where 11 (drawn as a zipper to be illustrated in certain functions) can be attached to have a more secure resealable function. 4 is shown that a zipper can added in combination, another aspect of the present invention. 4 can also be an adhesive where the stickiness and perhaps other properties of the adhesives bind, both sides of the non-rigid bag together. 4 can be a means or structure for sealing and unsealing the device. Again, 1 is the body material used to create the attachable resealable bag. The bottom portion of the device at 5 shows two different possibilities: 6 or 7, making it convenient easy to see the difference of different aspects of the present invention. 6 shows the adhesive on the inside of 5. Again, 5 can be part of 1 and or added to 1. The adhesive portion of 6 is depicted as equal or substantially equal in width of 1, but that need not be the case and can in certain aspects be longer or shorter thereof. 7 shows another aspect of the present invention having the adhesive (on inside of 5) with the length being longer than the body 1 which allows that substantially no air or no air leaks in or out on the sides of the bags. This configuration helps when the foreign bag is larger in width than the device of the present invention invention. 2 is shown, but can be removed or otherwise not present in one aspect of the present invention, to be able to attach to the same adhesive, or the like, 6 or 7, as described above if desired.

FIG. 6 depicts another aspect of the present invention and is similar to FIG. 5 except for the adhesives, or the like. Again, 11 shows using a zipper function if desired. The zipper can be on top of bag if the device of the present invention is configured in such a manner. It can also be configured in such a way to use the present invention in a way to aid the user in the goal of this invention. 4 can also be an adhesive where the stickiness of the adhesives bind both sides of the non-rigid bag together. Again, 4 can be a means or structure for sealing and unsealing the device. Here 5 is covered up because the adhesives are attached, as depicted for simplicity, on the outside of the invention. Again, 5 can be part of 1 and or added to 1. The bottom portion of 5 shows two different possibilities: 8 or 9, making it convenient to see the difference by showing one on each side rather than having multiple drawings with minor changes. 8 is substantially the same or same width at 1, but can be longer or shorter than I, and shows the adhesive on the outside of 5 (not visibly shown due to adhesive on outside). This would allow the invention to attach to the inside of the foreign bag. 9 shows that the length is longer than 1 and again is still on the outside of 5. Again, 1 is the body material used to create the attachable resealable bag. The extra adhesive would be used to attach along the inside of the bag, which provides that there are no air leaks or substantially no air leaks from the foreign bag to the article of manufacture of the present invention. A user would preferably insert this on the inside of the foreign bag. 2 is shown to be able, optionally, to attach to the same adhesive, or the like, 8 or 9, if desired.

FIG. 7 depicts another aspect of the present invention, showing the article of manufacture of the present invention is attached to the foreign bag 10. Again, 1 is the body material used to create the attachable resealable bag. It is shown where the adhesives (for simplicity 3 is used to illustrate the adhesives on the inside of 5 creating in this instance 6) are used to attach to the foreign bag. 5 is shown because the adhesives are inside. Again, 5 can be part of 1 and or added to 1. 2 is shown with the adhesive, or the like. Again, 2 may or may not be used depending on the manufacturer. 4 can have any of the seal/zipper/adhesive functions (but not limited thereto) to maintain the “resealable/reusable/re-closeable” feature of the article of manufacture of the present invention and related methods of use thereof.

FIG. 8 depicts yet another aspect of the present invention and is a side view to show how the article of manufacture of the present invention is attached to the foreign bag in one aspect of the present invention. In this figure, the adhesives 6 are used on the inside of 5. Again, 5 are the flaps enabled in this diagram to freely attach to the foreign bag 10 and may or may not be conjoined with 1. The adhesives, or the like, can be applied to an article of manufacture invention any of the aforementioned ways and described herein. 6 attaches to 10 to secure the foreign bag to the invention making an air impenetrable or substantially air impenetrable seal such little or no air enters into or leaves the container. 2 is shown with the extra adhesive, or the like, to ensure or aid the device of the present invention is securely fastened to the foreign bag (again 2 can be removed or otherwise not utilized if desired). 4 can have any of the seal/zipper/adhesive functions (but not limited to those functions and structures) to maintain the “resealable/reusable/re-closeable” aspect of the present invention. Again, 1 is the body material used to create the attachable resealable bag.

FIG. 9 depicts one aspect of the present invention where the article of manufacture invention is wider than the foreign bag 10 in one aspect of the present invention. This figure shows that no air or substantially no air will leak from the connection of the article of manufacture of the invention and the foreign bag. FIG. 6, element 8 and FIG. 5, element 6 is designed in the same or similar way with the article of manufacture of the invention having a wider body than the foreign bag (not necessarily flush with the present invention body 1). 4 can have any of the seal/zipper/adhesive functions (but not limited thereto) to maintain the “resealable/reusable/re-closeable” aspect of the invention. 6 and 8 are described above. 5 is the flap that is flexible and more freely capable of attaching to 10 if desired. Again, 5 may or may not be have flaps, which would make the design similar of 1 (the body material used to create the attachable resealable bag). 5 can be part of 1 and or added to 1. 2 is shown to be able (but can be removed or otherwise not utilized) to attach to the same adhesive, or the like, 6 and 8 as if desired.

FIG. 10: depicts another aspect of the present invention and shows how the article of manufacture of the present invention can be shorter than the foreign bag 10 in one aspect of the present invention. The adhesives, or the like, can provide that no air or substantially no air will leak. FIG. 5, element 7 and FIG. 6, element 9 show articles of manufacture of the present invention can be designed in the same or similar way with the article of manufacture of the present invention having a shorter body than the foreign bag (, i.e. having longer adhesives than the body 1). 4 can have any of the seal/zipper/adhesive functions (but not limited to those structures and functions) to maintain the “resealable/reusable/re-closeable” aspect of the article of manufacture of the present invention and methods of use thereof of the present invention. 7 and 9 are described above. 5 is not shown because adhesives are on the outside of the flaps (if flaps are desired). Again, 5 can be part of 1 and or added to 1. 2 is shown to be able (but can be removed or otherwise not utilized) to attach to the same adhesive 7 or 9 if desired. Again, 1 is the body material used to create the attachable resealable bag.

FIG. 11: depicts another aspect of the present invention similar to that of FIG. 1. The difference is 4. Here 12 is used to demonstrate using an adhesive, or the like, instead of a seal/zipper (not limited to these structures and functions). This aspect of the present invention can be utilized in any other aspect of the present invention. 3 is shown to illustrate that adhesives can be attached to 5 if the flaps are desired. 2 is an adhesive, or the like, is not required, but is an extra preventive step by ensuring that the product will be substantially air-impenetrable or the like, to make a perishable product longer lasting. 2 can be added from 3, and can also be different strips of adhesives or conjoined to the same adhesive. Note that 2 may have a left side adhesive and a right side adhesive along the inside of the body 1. Again, 5 can be part of 1 and or added to 1.

SUMMARY

The present invention recognizes that there exits a need for articles of manufacture to seal flexible and non-ridged containers that have an opening.

A first aspect of the present invention is an article of manufacture for sealing an opening of a flexible or non-ridged container.

A second aspect of the present invention is a method of making an article of manufacture for sealing an opening of a flexible or non-ridged container.

A third aspect of the present invention is a method of using an article of manufacture for sealing an opening of a flexible or non-ridged container.

There are many re-sealable products available but all of them lack the principles of efficiency and simplicity. Most of these products are not as efficient for their intended purposes. One aspect of the present invention relates to food and perishable products as the present invention is designed to help maintain freshness with all types of food, including but not limited to frozen, non-frozen foods and other wet or diy food stuffs, that are previously held in a flexible or non-rigid bag or other container. This aspect of the present invention will help preserve the frozen products from freezer burns. Some products have a “tear-to-open” method, which then forces consumers to either fold up the bag or put the bag into a foreign “Ziploc™” type bag to prevent freezer burns. With tear-to-open type bags, the present invention can be created for simply a corner piece invention to correspond to how a user opens a foreign bag with the same or similar criteria described herein. The adhesives would again attach to the foreign bag in an applicable manner and the resealable function would remain the same as the present invention. This corner piece aspect of the present invention would utilize even less materials with still holding the present inventions goals. Another aspect of the present invention will help store, organize or otherwise aid a user in the use of products that are not related to food. Items that are stored in bags or other containers that have no or substantially no resealing or closing means or mechanism will be able to use in with the articles of manufacture and associated methods of use of the present invention to keep all or substantially all original or unused items, or additional items in its original bag, thus saving materials, and thus having a “green effect” upon the environment in reduced material use, cost and waste. This in turn reduces the amount of materials a consumer must purchase, which ineffectively reduces costs. This and other aspects of the present invention have the added benefit of reducing clutter and helps with the organization of bags and materials. In one aspect of the present invention, when the article of manufacture of the present invention and/or a foreign container are clear, transparent, or substantially so, the user can easily determine what is within the original bag or has been additionally placed therein, substituted therein, mixed therein, or a combination thereof. Another aspect of the present invention helps consumers because many times users put the original bag inside “Ziploc™” bags to help preserve, store or organize the original or other product or products. This is due to the original foreign bag or other container being punctured as a result of obtaining the product inside. The articles of manufacture of the present invention and methods of use thereof can also reduce the amount of materials that is consumed by creating a product that secures the boundaries of an opened bag. As simply put, no more putting a bag inside another bag. Most of the products described in the art suffer from limitations as to their construction and intended use. Many times, these complex resealable devices use many materials, making them not cost-effective in terms of materials and complexity of manufacture. An added benefit of the present invention is the ability to reduce the costs and complexity of other products on the market or described in the patent, technical literature and, commercial market and commercial literature. One feature of the present invention is that in some aspects it can be designed to use fewer materials to help the efficiency of creating an efficient and reliable resealable/re-closeable option for food or non-food products.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Definitions

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Generally, the nomenclature used herein and the procedures referred to herein are well known and commonly employed in the art. Where a term is provided in the singular, the inventors also contemplate the plural of that term. The nomenclature used herein and the laboratory and manufacture procedures described below are those well known and commonly employed in the art. As employed throughout the disclosure, the following terms, unless otherwise indicated, shall be understood to have the following meanings:

An example of the word “flexible” may be represented as a plastic or polymer, such as polyethylene, which is commonly known as a plastic-type material use to make “Ziploc™” type bags, or other commonly used materials such a foil type bags used commonly to store snack foods. The ability of this material to move freely is, as one desires its intended movements. The word “non-flexible” would be the opposite of this, whereas one would not be able to move or construct the material to what one desires.

An example of the word “non-rigid” would be seen as the same or similar material used as a “Ziploc™” type bag. These bags are able to move freely and may be manipulated in different ways of movement. “Rigid” bags are designed to have substantially no, none, limited or only one movement and not conform to any.

Other technical terms used herein have their ordinary meaning in the art that they are used, as exemplified by a variety of technical dictionaries.

Introduction

The present invention recognizes that there exits a need for articles of manufacture to seal flexible or non-ridged containers that have an opening (in some cases once a bag is punctured).

As a non-limiting introduction to the breath of the present invention, the present invention includes several general and useful aspects, including:

-   -   1) an article of manufacture for sealing an opening of a         flexible or non-ridged container;     -   2) a method of making an article of manufacture for sealing an         opening of a flexible or non-ridged container; and     -   3) a method of using an article of manufacture for sealing an         opening of a flexible or non-ridged container.

These aspects of the invention, as well as others described herein, can be achieved by using the methods, articles of manufacture and compositions of matter described herein. To gain a full appreciation of the scope of the present invention, it will be further recognized that various aspects of the present invention can be combined to make desirable embodiments of the invention.

I. Article of Manufacture for Sealing an Opening of a Flexible or Non-Ridged Container

The present invention includes an article of manufacture for sealing an opening of a flexible or non-ridged container. The article of manufacture can include, but is not limited to and can include more or fewer elements, steps or features:

-   -   a) a first sheet of flexible material having a first top edge, a         first bottom edge, a first right edge and a first left edge;     -   b) a second sheet of flexible material having a second top edge,         a second bottom edge, a second right edge and a second left         edge;     -   wherein said first right edge and said second right edge are         engaged with a first sealing means, and said first left edge and         said second left edge are engaged with a second sealing means;     -   wherein said first bottom edge comprises a third sealing means         and said second bottom edge comprises a fourth sealing means;     -   wherein said third sealing means and said fourth sealing means         can operably engage said opening of a flexible container;     -   wherein said first top edge comprises a fifth sealing means and         said second top edge comprises a sixth sealing means;     -   wherein said fifth sealing means and said sixth sealing means         reversibly engage each other to form a seal.

In preferred aspects of the present invention, the present invention can optionally have the following characteristics.

Fexible or Non-Ridged Container

The flexible or non-ridged container can contain any material, including but not limited to a food product. The food product can be fresh or frozen. The food product can be intended for human or non-human consumption. In the case of food product intended for human consumption, the food product can be for example, but not limited to, chips, cereal, cookies, assorted candy, salads, nuts, and the like, as well as liquids and gases in certain instances. In the case of product not intended for human consumption, the food product can be, for example, but not limited to, intended for ingestion by a pet, such as a cat, dog, bird, pig or the like, or a farm animal.

The flexible or non-ridged container can also contain a non-food product, Examples include, but are not limited to washers, screws, bolts, rubber bands and the like as well as cat liter, fertilizer and other products that come in bulky bags.

Materials

The flexible or non-ridged container can be made of any appropriate material having those characteristics, or a combination thereof. Examples include, but are not limited to, a polymer, a plastic, a foil, a bio-foil, a bio-plastic, a recyclable, a woven, a mold, an elastic, a gelatin, a paper or a combination thereof.

First and Second Sheet of Flexible Material

Flexible or Non-Ridged

The first sheet of flexible and the second sheet of flexible material can be made of any appropriate material having the desired characteristics and can be of the same or different material. Preferable materials include, but are not limited to, a polymer, a plastic, a foil, a bio-foil, a bio-plastic, a recyclable, a woven, a mold, an elastic, a gelatin, a paper or a combination thereof.

First and Second Sealing Means

Substantially Non-Reversible

The first sealing means and the second sealing means are preferably substantially irreversible, but that need not be the case. Examples of such sealing means, which can be the same or different, include, but are not limited to a glue, an adhesive, heat/cold welding, sonic welding, compression at different temperatures, pressure bonding, static bonding, a woven, a mold, an elastic, a gelatin, a wax, a liquid, double-sided tape, press-sealing, stitching, clamp, clip, laminate, paste, mechanical fastener, a chemical substance, ultrasound or a combination thereof.

In one aspect of the present invention the first sealing means and said second sealing means are appropriate for contact with materials for human or non-human consumption. This aspect of the present invention relates to the notion that when the article of manufacture is used to seal a container that includes materials intended for human or non-human consumption, then the sealing means can be chosen to comply with appropriate regulations and regulatory agencies, such as, for example, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The first and second sealing means can also be conformed to work with a gusseted bag as that term is know in the art, and the present invention can include such a gusset, but that is not a requirement of the present invention. The sides of 1 and 5 may or may not be gusseted to conjoin with a foreign bag. The present invention without gusseted sidewalls can effectively deliver the intended goal and thus this feature is considered optional.

Third and Fourth Sealing Means

The third sealing means and said fourth sealing means can be the same or different and include, but are not limited to a glue, an adhesive, heat/cold welding, sonic welding, compression at different temperatures, pressure bonding, static bonding, a woven, a mold, an elastic, a gelatin, a wax, a liquid, double-sided tape, press-sealing, stitching, clamp, clip, laminate, paste, mechanical fastener, a chemical substance, ultrasound or a combination thereof.

The third sealing means and said fourth sealing means are appropriate for contact with materials for human or non-human consumption as described above. In addition, the third sealing means and the fourth sealing means are not intended for contact with materials for human or non-human consumption.

In one aspect of the present invention the third sealing means and the fourth sealing means are appropriate for contact with materials for human or non-human consumption. This aspect of the present invention relates to the notion that when the article of manufacture is used to seal a container that includes materials intended for human or non-human consumption, then the sealing means can be chosen to comply with appropriate regulations and regulatory agencies, such as, for example, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The third and fourth sealing means can optionally be engaged with a removable material, such as, but not limited to, a polymer or paper, which can be removed to allow the third and fourth sealing means to be exposed. This aspect of the present invention is similar to such sealing means used in self-sealing envelopes, stamps, stickers and the like.

The third and fourth sealing means can also be conformed to work with a gusseted bag as that term is know in the art, and the present invention can include such a gusset, but that is not a requirement of the present invention. The sides oft and 5 may or may not be gusseted to conjoin with foreign bag. The present invention without gusseted sidewalls can effectively deliver the intended goal and thus this feature is considered optional.

The general purpose of the third and fourth sealing means is to attach the present invention to the foreign bag. From there, the present inventions objectives will be met. The third and fourth sealing means may or may not be attached to the present invention, 5 can be an adhesive or the like which may or may not combine both the present invention and the foreign bag together to obtain one possible end result of the present invention. One preferred aspect of the present invention is to have third and fourth sealing means already configured, but the present invention is not so limited.

Fifth and Sixth Sealing Means

In one aspect of the present invention, the fifth sealing means and the sixth sealing means engage each other to form a substantially reversible or reversible seal. Preferably, the fifth sealing means and the sixth sealing means engage to form a substantially air-impermeable seal, an air-impermeable seal, a substantially moisture resistant seal, a moisture resistant seal, a substantially fluid resistant seal, a fluid resistant seal or a combination thereof.

The fifth sealing means and the sixth sealing means can engage by way of any appropriate seal, such as, but not limited to a seal, a “zip-lock” seal, a locking mechanism, an adhesive seal, a zipper seal, polymer, a plastic, a foil, a bio-foil, a bio-plastic, a recyclable, a mold, an elastic, static seal, a clip, a magnetic seal, a tape, a bond, a gelatin, a woven, a wax, a paste, a liquid substance, a chemical substance, or a combination thereof to create a resealable/reusable/re-closeable aspect. In the case of zip-lock seals, zip-lock has been used to give a broad description of the resealable/re-closeable/reusable aspect of this invention. The seal may be bound by different materials (most commonly plastic) to “lock” the bag together so the product inside will preferably not fall out during normal usage and be retained within the structure. The seal may also be bound by numerous different ways of composing the “lock” function as is known in the art.

A zipper can be used as well for this aspect of the present invention to this invention as well. This zipper will help preserve freshness for food related products when present. This aspect of the present invention is preferable for frozen items to provide enhance protection against freezer burns when stored under such conditions.

The purpose of this portion of the application is to show how the present invention can utilize zipper type technologies known in the art and utilized by some of the largest plastic bag manufacturers. These do not show the only implications or structures of the present invention and are illustrative and not limiting.

Examples of sealing means useful in the present invention and known in the art, and currently commercially available are as follows.

Ziploc: For frozen, refrigerated, and non-food products, the sealer/zipper/adhesive (4, 11, 12) on the top portion of the invention would cooperate with the following but not limited to top portions (sealer/zipper) of Ziploc technologies:

-   -   “Ziploc Brand Double Guard Freezer Bags”     -   “Ziploc Freezer Bags with the Smart Zip Seal”     -   “Ziploc Brand Slider Storage and Freezer Bags with Smart Zip         Seal,”“     -   “Ziploc Brand Fresh Produce Bags”     -   “Ziploc Brand Sandwich Bags”     -   “Ziploc Brand Snack Bags”     -   “Ziploc Brand Storage Bags with the Smart Zip Seal”     -   “Ziploc Smart Zip Bags”

Hefty: For frozen, refrigerated, and non-food products, the sealer/zipper/adhesive (4, 11, 12) on the top portion of the invention would cooperate with the following but not limited to top portions (sealer/zipper) of Hefty technologies:

-   -   “Hefty OneZip Freezer Bags”     -   “Hefty OneZip Storage Bags”     -   “Hefty OneZip Sanswich Bags”     -   “Hefty OneZip Storage Bags”     -   “Hefty OneZip Travel Bags”     -   “Hefty OneZip School Bags”     -   “Hefty OneZip Seasonal Bags”     -   “Hefty OneZip Fresh Extend Bags”     -   “Hefty Baggies”     -   “Hefty OneZip Bags”

Glad: For frozen, refrigerated, and non-food products, the sealer/zipper/adhesive (4, 11, 12) on the top portion of the invention would cooperate with the following but not limited to top portions (sealer/zipper) of Glad technologies:

-   -   “Glad Food Storage Zipper”     -   “Glad Food Sandwich Zipper”     -   “Glad Freezer Zipper”     -   “Glad Double Seal Protection”

Other companies that have their own brands include Walmart with “Great Value,” Vons with “Safeway Bags,” Stater Bro's with their own brand, Costco with “Kirkland,” etc. These are all permissible to this invention but does not limit to.

This portrays how the present invention top portion (4, 11, 12) of the article of manufacture of the present invention can coincide with and integrate with technologies of Ziploc, Hefty, Glad and many others. The seals/zippers will be able to be used through the present invention to produce a product that helps both consumers and manufacturers. Once again, this does not limit the only types of bags that the present invention is made or used, and are illustrative and non-limiting.

Another means to seal an article of manufacture of the present invention to prevent items escaping the bag would be through an adhesive or the like. Preferably, there would be adhesives, or the like, on the bottom of the invention attaching to the foreign bag and adhesives on the top of the invention to reseal the edges of the article of manufacture of the present invention together, optionally to prevent dilution of the product. A tape, wax, or gelatin would have the same effect as an adhesive to help aid the user in opening and closing the present invention.

The fifth and sixth sealing means can optionally be engaged with a removable material, such as a polymer or paper but not limited thereto, which can be removed to allow the fifth and sixth sealing means to be exposed. This aspect of the present invention is similar to such sealing means used in self-sealing envelopes, stamps and the like.

One way to have the fifth and sixth sealing means can be to have a clip effect. The user would open and close the present invention with a clipping mechanism. This can be one non-limiting example of a locking mechanism. A locking mechanism can be any appropriate structure that would perform the function of securing a product inside of the present invention. A woven can be another way to seal the present invention. A user would be able to intertwine a string or the like, for example but not limit to, to open and/or close the present invention. A static seal and or magnetic seal can implement the same or similar effect as any seal would have. Along with these seals, any type of bond that would enable an object to open and close the present invention would be considered part of the present invention. The function of these different types of methods, structures and functions is to allow users to use the resealable/reusable/re-closable functions that are features of the present invention.

The general purpose of the fifth and sixth sealing means is to be able to open and close the present invention multiple times so the user can access the product inside while using the present invention in a simple manner.

At the same time, the fifth and sixth sealing means may or may not be attached to the body 1 to create the structures and functions of the fifth and sixth sealing means. The fifth and sixth sealing materials described herein may or may not be separate from the present invention but when applied with the present invention can perform one or more of the general objectives of the present invention. One preferred aspect of the present invention include having the fifth and sixth sealing means already configured with present invention, but is not so limited.

II. Method of Making an Article of Manufacture for Sealing an Opening of a Flexible or Non-Ridged Container

The present invention includes a method of making the article of manufacture of the present invention. The method of manufacture can include, but is not limited to and can include fewer or more elements, steps or features:

-   -   a) providing a first sheet of flexible material having a first         top edge, a first bottom edge, a first right edge and a first         left edge;     -   b) providing a second sheet of flexible material having a second         top edge, a second bottom edge, a second right edge and a second         left edge;     -   c) engaging said first right edge and said second right edge         with a first sealing means;     -   d) engaging said first left edge and said second left edge are         engaged with a second sealing means;     -   e) providing upon said first bottom edge comprises a third         sealing means;     -   f) providing upon said second bottom edge a fourth sealing         means;     -   g) providing upon said first top edge a fifth sealing means;     -   h) providing upon said second top edge a sixth sealing means;     -   wherein said third sealing means and said fourth sealing means         can engage an opening of a flexible container;     -   wherein said fifth sealing means and said sixth sealing means         can reversibly engage each other to form a seal.

The terms used above are as set forth herein and are not repeated here for simplicity.

It is not demanded that a certain process for creating the present invention is needed. The present invention can be made in multiple ways using steps and machinery known in the art. There are two bodies of applicable sides that are conjoined by the walls on each respected side. Each side may or may not have multiple layers of materials. A re-closeable/reusable/resealable structure is created at one top of the present invention. This can be done through, but not limited to, a zipper for example. The adhesives or the like can be applied multiple ways to different portions of the body. A preferred method is to have a material to cover the adhesive, or the like, to help the end user utilize the adhesive, or the like, at a later point in time. If desired, the sides and/or top of the walls of the body invention can optionally be gusseted to be used with gusseted foreign bags or non-gusseted foreign bags. 5 may also be added to the body 1 with the same or different materials. 5 can be an adhesive or the like that is separate from the present invention and conjoined to both the present invention and or the foreign bag

III. Method of Using an Article of Manufacture for Sealing an Opening of a Flexible Container

The present invention includes a method of using an article of manufacture of the present invention. The method use can include, but is not limited to and can include fewer or more elements, steps or features:

-   -   a) providing a flexible container with an opening;     -   b) providing an article of manufacture of the present invention;     -   c) engaging said third sealing means along one portion of said         opening;     -   d) engaging said fourth sealing means along another portion of         said opening;     -   e) engaging said fifth sealing means and said sixth sealing         means.

The terms used above are as set forth herein and are not repeated here for simplicity.

The present invention can allow users to obtain/utilize the product in its respected bag of sale or otherwise of origin. This can cut down on the amount of bags, such as plastic bags, consumed to store products that already come in bags. With the present invention attached to any appropriate bag, the user can be able to use the functions and structures of any appropriate bag, such as a Ziploc™ bag, or other bags disclosed or discussed herein. Some bags come with a zipper functions to help preserve the product inside. However, most bags do not. The present invention allows all users to access that function by attaching the present invention to any appropriate bag. Utilizing the present invention, consumers can be able to utilize the bags more efficiently as well as reducing the consumption of bags. The present invention will also allow consumers to increase the shelf life of products compared to rolling bags up or putting a chip clip type mechanism on the top.

In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the need to use one or more additional containers is avoided. This aspect of the invention provides that the original container need not be disposed of in favor of another container, thus reducing wasted materials.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Article of Manufacture

This example establishes some preferred aspects of the article of manufacture of the present invention, particularly as set forth in the figures and the description thereof. Numerical references refer to those in the figures.

-   -   1) The body material 1, which is bounded on the sides to a         certain extent where the bottom portion is described upon 5. 5         can also be bound to body of 1 to not have flexible bottom flaps         if desired. 1 can have two body materials that are conjoined on         the sides to create two flaps 5 if desired. This aspect of the         invention creates an air impenetrable or substantially air         impenetrable, or the like, to help seal the present invention to         a foreign bag 10. The body of bag can be formed to the creation         of gusseted sides if desired. The body of 1 may or may not have         multiple layers if desired.     -   2) An extra adhesive, or the like, 2 is optionally added. It can         be part of 3 or separate of 3 (3 in general to cover all         appropriate adhesives or the like). Throughout the figures, 2         can be added to the adhesives, or the like, described in the         figures (inside or outside of present invention). The goal of         this aspect of the present invention is to secure the foreign         bag tightly to have no air leaks or substantially no air leaks.         This is another layer of defense added to protect the product         inside the foreign bag. Adhesives, or the like, can attach         higher up than 5 to assist in the function of the present         invention can prevent any air leaks or substantially any air         leaks. By having the adhesive higher up than 5 (flaps) it can         secure foreign bag to invention and possibly produce a better         result. Again, 5 may or may not be conjoined with 1. 2 can have         adhesives, or the like, on both sides of the present invention         in order to enhance the desired goal. 2 does not need to be         applied to invention but is a preferred aspect of thee present         invention.     -   3) Element 3 is the adhesives, or the like, of the present         invention. When handling with food, FDA approved adhesives, or         the like, would be preferred. With other products, if there are         regulations to be considered, they would be followed. Adhesives,         or the like, can be attached on inside or outside of 5. More         detailed measures can show different applications of the         adhesives, or the like, on the present invention (6, 7, 8, 9). 6         and 7 depict the adhesives, or the like, on the inside of 5. 8         and 9 depict the adhesives on the outside of 5. When figures         depict 3, 3 is used to identify an adhesive, or the like, which         can accommodate (6, 7, 8, 9). 3 may or may not be conjoined with         2 (which is another adhesive, or the like, which may or may not         be conjoined with 3 meaning 6, 7, 8, 9.     -   4) Element 4 is not limited to but can be a zipper/seal/adhesive         part where the “resealable/reusable/re-closeable” aspect of the         present invention. Other examples of seals can be but not         limited to static seal, magnetic seal, or a bond. The goal of 4         is to use the products inside by preserving the condition and         allowing a user to access the products inside the bag. This will         allow users to open and close the bag repeated times. It will         also keep food/perishable products fresh. Again these are not         limited to only uses of “resealing/reusing/re-closing” methods.         See Fifth and Sixth sealing means to depict different         methods/materials of resealing/reusing/re-closing the present         invention. In the illustrations, we will show 4 but that         structure can mean any of the following, but are not limited         thereto:         -   a. Zipper structure and function 11         -   b. Seal (4 in general)         -   c. Adhesive or the like 12     -   5) 5 of the bag is flexible and free to bind to any foreign bag.         5 may or may not be conjoined with 1. It may or may not be the         same materials as 1. The adhesives or the like will be attached         to this part of the invention. These are flaps to make easier to         attach invention to foreign bag. Is not required to have         flexible flaps, but that is a preferred aspect of the present         invention. If no flaps are present, then both sides would         preferably be similar to the body of the present invention and         mirror the edges of 1, but that need not be the case. Adhesives         or the like 3 may be attached inside or outside of 5.     -   6) Adhesives or the like 3 would be attached on inside of 5 (on         one or more of the flaps of the bag) and will attach to bag         outside of foreign bag. It is possible to attach with 2. 6 is         depicted as flush with the body of the bag and is different than         7.     -   7) Adhesives or the like 3 would be attached on inside of 5 and         would attach to outside of foreign bag. The width of 1 would         preferably be smaller than foreign bag, so no air leaks or         substantially no air leaks will be present. One goal of the         article of manufacture of the present invention is to remain         reusable. The remaining adhesives or the like would attach to         foreign bag to provide no air leaks or substantially no air         leaks and provide an environment to preserve a product. It is         possible to attach with 2.     -   8) Adhesives or the like 3 can be attached on outside 5 (on one         or each “flap” of the bag) and can attach to bag on inside of         the foreign bag. It is possible to attach with 2. 8 is depicted         as flush with the body of the bag and is different than 9, but         that need not be the case.     -   9) Adhesives or the like 3 can be attached on outside of 5 and         can attach to inside of foreign bag. Remaining adhesives or the         like can bind together on inside of foreign bag to provide no         air leaks or substantially no air leaks and will keep product         fresh. The width of 1 can be smaller than foreign bag, so no air         leaks or substantially no air leaks will be present. One goal is         to have the article of manufacture remain reusable. It is         possible to attach with 2.     -   10) Element 10 depicts the foreign bag. Depicted in the figures         is how the present invention can attach to the foreign bag. This         bag may or may not be gusseted. Examples of 10 can be, but not         limited to, a bag of chips, cookies, salads etc.     -   11) The illustrated feature 11 of the present invention is         similar to 4, but includes a zipper function. This aspect of the         present invention is preferable for frozen bags that want to         substantially ensure a closed bag. Zippers or the like can         possibly be more efficient with protecting product inside from         air and other potential harm. Zippers or the like 11 can be used         in combination with 4 if desired. The aspect of this feature can         be manifested through different methods. See fifth and sixth         sealing means for further details     -   12) The illustrated feature 12 of the present invention is         similar to 4, but is described as an adhesive or the like. An         adhesive can also be a tape, a bond, a gelatin, a wax, a paste,         and or a liquid substance, a chemical substance, but not         limiting too. Any of these aforementioned will help with the         resealable/reusable/re-closable aspect on the top portion of the         invention. See the general description of the fifth and sixth         sealing means for further details.

Example 2 Method of Making Article of Manufacture

This example establishes some preferred aspects of the method of making an article of manufacture of the present invention, particularly as set forth in the figures and the description thereof. Numerical references refer to those in the figures.

The machinery for making “Ziploc” type bags are known in the art. The article of manufacture of the present invention can be made using parts of such machinery to manufacture an article of the present invention. For example, begin with a “Ziploc” bag as is known in the art. Independently manufacture or cut the top off (horizontally) between about ⅓ and about ¼ of the bag below the zipper/seal so one would have the resealable portion. It does not need to be ⅓ or ¼, this is an illustrious example. Then cut vertically the bottom two sides to conform to 5 so that bottom flaps are flexible and free to conform to the foreign bag. Then paste adhesives any way (6, 7, 8, 9) on the bag to make it able to bind to the foreign bag. 5 may also be added to the body 1 with the same or different materials. 5 can be an adhesive or the like that is separate from the present invention and conjoined to both the present invention and/or the foreign bag. If desired, the sides and/or top of the walls of the body invention can be gusseted to be used with gusseted foreign bags or non-gusseted foreign bags.

Example 3 Method of Using Article of Manufacture

This example establishes some preferred aspects of the method of use of the article of manufacture of the present invention, particularly as set forth in the figures and the description thereof. Numerical references refer to those in the figures.

Step 1) Peel off one strip off of the adhesive. The strip protects the stickiness of the adhesive found on the bottom portion of the invention. Step 2) Apply the adhesive to the top of the foreign bag. Step 3) Peel off the other strip off of the other adhesive. Step 4) Apply that adhesive to the other side on top of the foreign bag. Step 5) Confirm that there are no air leaks or substantially no air leaks to provide quality of the stored product. One preferred way to accomplish this is by attaching one side of the adhesive to foreign bag. Then confirm foreign bag is substantially straight and then spread adhesive to other side with no/minimal wrinkles to confirm no air leaks. Repeat for other side. If the user does not properly attach the adhesives to the foreign bag, then a user may attach other adhesives or the like to minimize air leaks or the like.

All publications, including patent documents and scientific articles, referred to in this application and the bibliography and attachments are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes to the same extent as if each individual publication were individually incorporated by reference.

All headings are for the convenience of the reader and should not be used to limit the meaning of the text that follows the heading, unless so specified. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An article of manufacture for sealing an opening of a flexible container, comprising: a) a first sheet of flexible material having a first top edge, a first bottom edge, a first right edge and a first left edge; b) a second sheet of flexible material having a second top edge, a second bottom edge, a second right edge and a second left edge; wherein said first right edge and said second right edge are engaged with a first sealing means, and said first left edge and said second left edge are engaged with a second sealing means; wherein said first bottom edge comprises a third sealing means and said second bottom edge comprises a fourth sealing means; wherein said third sealing means and said fourth sealing means can operably engage said opening of a flexible container; wherein said first top edge comprises a fifth sealing means and said second top edge comprises a sixth sealing means; wherein said fifth sealing means and said sixth sealing means reversibly engage each other to form a seal.
 2. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein said flexible container contains a food product.
 3. The article of manufacture of claim 2, wherein said food product is for human or non-human consumption.
 4. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein said flexible container contain a non-food product.
 5. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein said flexible container is non-ridged and optionally comprises gusseted walls.
 6. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein said flexible container is made from a polymer, a plastic, a foil, a bio-foil, a bio-plastic, a recyclable, a woven, a mold, an elastic, a gelatin, a paper or a combination thereof.
 7. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein said first sheet of flexible and said second sheet of flexible material are the same or different material and are made from a polymer, a plastic, a foil, a bio-foil, a bio-plastic, a recyclable, a woven, a mold, an elastic, a gelatin, a wax, a paper or a combination thereof.
 8. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein said first sealing means and said second sealing means are substantially irreversible.
 9. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein said first sealing means and said second sealing means are the same or different and include a glue, an adhesive, heat/cold welding, sonic welding, compression, pressure bonding, static bonding, a woven, a mold, an elastic, a gelatin, a wax, a liquid, double-sided tape, press-sealing, stitching, clamp, clip, laminate, paste, mechanical fastener, a chemical substance, ultrasound or a combination thereof.
 10. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein said first sealing means and said second sealing means are appropriate for contact with materials for human or non-human consumption.
 11. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein said first sealing means and said second sealing means are not intended for contact with materials for human or non-human consumption.
 12. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein said third sealing means and said fourth sealing means are the same or different and include a glue, an adhesive, heat/cold welding, sonic welding, compression, pressure bonding, static bonding, a woven, a mold, an elastic, a gelatin, a wax, a liquid, double-sided tape, press-sealing, stitching, clamp, clip, laminate, paste, mechanical fastener, a chemical substance, ultrasound or a combination thereof.
 13. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein said third sealing means and said fourth sealing means are appropriate for contact with materials for human or non-human consumption.
 14. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein said third sealing means and said fourth sealing means are not intended for contact with materials for human or non-human consumption.
 15. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein said fifth sealing means and said sixth sealing means engage each other to form a substantially reversible or reversible seal.
 16. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein said fifth sealing means and said sixth sealing means engage to form a substantially air-impermeable seal, an air-impermeable seal, a substantially moisture resistant seal, a moisture resistant seal, a substantially fluid resistant seal, a fluid resistant seal or a combination thereof.
 17. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein said fifth sealing means and said sixth sealing means engage by way of a seal, a “zip-lock” seal, a locking mechanism, an adhesive seal, a zipper seal, polymer, a plastic, a foil, a bio-foil, a bio-plastic, a recyclable, a mold, an elastic, static seal, a clip, a magnetic seal, a tape, a bond, a gelatin, a woven, a wax, a paste, a liquid substance, a chemical substance, or a combination thereof to create a resealable/reusable/re-closeable aspect.
 18. A method of making the article of manufacture of claim 1, comprising: a) providing a first sheet of flexible material having a first top edge, a first bottom edge, a first right edge and a first left edge; b) providing a second sheet of flexible material having a second top edge, a second bottom edge, a second right edge and a second left edge; c) engaging said first right edge and said second right edge with a first sealing means; d) engaging said first left edge and said second left edge are engaged with a second sealing means; e) providing upon said first bottom edge comprises a third sealing means; providing upon said second bottom edge a fourth sealing means; g) providing upon said first top edge a fifth sealing means; h) providing upon said second top edge a sixth sealing means; wherein said third sealing means and said fourth sealing means can engage an opening of a flexible container; wherein said fifth sealing means and said sixth sealing means can reversibly engage each other to form a seal.
 19. A method of using an article of manufacture of claim 1, comprising: a. providing a flexible container with an opening; b. providing an article of manufacture of claim 1; c. engaging said third sealing means along one portion of said opening; d. engaging said fourth sealing means along another portion of said opening; e. engaging said fifth sealing means and said sixth sealing means.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the need to use one or more additional containers is avoided. 